North College Park Community Association

Regular Meeting on August 3, 2017

North College Park Community Association (NCPCA) Meeting

August 3, 2017, Davis Hall, College Park, Maryland

Meeting was called to order by President John Krouse at 7:35 pm (rain delay).

Minutes of June 8 NCPCA Meeting were approved.

Tonight is a special joint meeting with the West College Park Citizens Association, Suchitra Balachandran, President.

Approximately 33 attendees including the two Association Presidents and the following public officials: Mayor Wojahn, Council Members Nagle, Kabir, Cook, Kujawa, and former County Councilmember Tom Dernoga.

Primary objective of the joint meeting was to allow for an open forum regarding the City of College Park Council’s Charter Amendment, which was established in 1955 and does not reflect current residency, and to discuss the City Council’s Amendment to the Charter (sponsored by Councilmember Christine Nagle), which would (1) allow non-citizen’s to vote only for municipality officials, and (2) for the City to maintain its own voter registration database.

There were no amendments to the agenda.

Six Questions Presented

Meeting process was established for informative purpose only. Process was (1) show of hands in favor of each question; (2) discussion of each question (in favor only); (3) second round of votes by show of hands in favor of each question.

The number of votes recorded in the second round are as follows:

  1. City Voter List? Should the City establish its own requirements and dedicate funds to maintain its own list of voters who meet City voting requirements? 5 Votes
  2. Only U.S. Citizens? Should the City continue to limit the right to vote in City elections only to residents who are also citizens of the United States? 14 Votes
  3. Green Card?  Should Permanent Residents of College Park who have a ‘Green Card’ issued by the United States be allowed to vote in City elections? 7 Votes.
  4. Visa?  Should citizens of other countries who hold a visa issued by the United States be allowed to vote in City elections? 0 Votes.
  5. Everyone?  Should everyone who lives in the City, including undocumented citizens of other countries, be allowed to vote in City elections? 8 Votes.
  6. Referendum?  Should the proposed Charter amendment be added as a non-binding referendum on the 2017 City election ballot? 21 Votes.

Vice President Report

  • NCPCA needs to increase its membership that is currently at 50.

Treasury Report

Current status:

  • Savings $1025.77
  • Checking $188.78
  • Total: $1214.55

Announcements

  • NCPCA Officers had an organizational meeting on July 10th.
  • Archived documents can be stored and locked in a cabinet located in Davis Hall.
  • August 1 National Night Out was successful even though there was a heavy rain storm.
  • Cutting ribbon for the upgraded Duval Field is planned for September.
  • The City Council will be voting on the Charter Amendment August 8.  If you want your voice heard, write your Council person before the 8th.
  • The Old Parish House will be celebrating its 200th anniversary September 15-17.
  • Compost Bins can be purchased for $20 by calling the City’s Public Works office.
  • Yard Waste Bins can be purchased for $25.
  • “Pick Up” Stickers for the bins are available.
  • University of Maryland Office of Community Engagement is holding Dental Services at Xfinity Center September 8 & 10.
  • The City’s Greenteam will hold an event at the Community Center on September 15 @ 7:00 pm. Volunteers are needed.
  • John Pedevillano, Purple Heart Recipient and long-term resident of the City, will receive a proclamation by the Mayor at the Aug 8 Council mtg.
  • County Council Member Tom Dernoga is running for re-election.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.

Respectfully Submitted by
Judy Gail Blumenthal, Ph.D.
Secretary